New to Duck Hunting

[Hick727]

 

Well im new to duck hunting and really dont know much. No one in my family hunts so my friend and I practically have to teach ourselves. My main questions are what are some good public hunting lands within a hour of the twin cities? How do you know what decoys to put out and how to arrange them? Any good books or videos that i can read or watch to learn more?

Damn i really wish my dad had friends that duck hunted and would take me.

[FireRanger]

Lots of resources at hand here and on the web. Public hunting lands are scattered all over MN. You can pick up a map showing them from a bait shop or outdoors store. Years ago I picked up a book simply titled 'Duck Hunting' at Walmart that explains everything you need to start out. There are many refuges and such that are open for waterfowl hunting across the state. Traveling within an hour of the cities is ok I guess but don't plan on being alone. Where abouts are you located? I would just look around your area and scope out where the ducks and geese are hanging out. Make sure it's legal to hunt there and if you find a good spot, get there early, because your probably not the only person that knows about it, especially that close to the cities. Safety should always be your number one priority when duck hunting!!! I don't want to sound like an overbearing father but always wear your PFD when on the water, gun safety is key and prepare for the weather, this sport can be extremely fun, but sometimes can be very dangerous when not paying attention to your surroundings. Read up and do some recon and get back to us with any other questions. Good Luck and welcome to the sport of duck hunting!

[Hick727]

Thank you FireRanger for your response. Ive been looking for WMA's in hennepin county and found two on the DNR's website and both said that duck hunting is allowed.

I was also looking at a couple National wildlife refuges

[FireRanger]

If your looking for NWR's, there is one up by me that I have done fairly well at over the years. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is just west of Zimmerman, MN. It has a fairly large lake located in the central part of the refuge. It has inlet water in the north and outlet at the south west corner by the access point. This area has been good for early season woodies, mallards and teal. Geese are around as well but are very wary after being shot at a few times. Later in the season some bluebills, buffleheads and redheads come through. It's a popular spot though and it also has it's 'special' areas that us locals know of......if you get there early enough

[Go Big Red!]

But if we tell him, we need to properly initiate him in.....     

[Hick727]

Please!